“When you choose love, miracles can happen,” said Kia Scherr at a March 2019 program offered by the Lotus Center for All Faiths in Yogaville. Scherr is co-founder of One Life Alliance, a charity she set up in response to the 2008 Mumbai, India terrorist attacks that claimed 164 lives including those of her husband, Alan, and their 13-year-old daughter, Naomi. The compelling presentation was hosted by Integral Yoga Minister, Rev. Ruth Shakti Hall. Mataji and her sister swamis, Jyotirmayananda and Vidyananda, were joined in the audience by Rev. Dhyani and other members of the community to hear Kia Scherr’s compelling story of transcending shock and pain to find peace through forgiveness.
“Guilt is not of God, but of Coyote. Creator will liberate you from your prison of self-hatred. I am good. I am sacred. I belong. Nothing can take away our sacredness.”
~ Lyla June Johnston
“We already have everything we need inside of us. Find the spirit within. Wake up and live! All is well. Spread the joy and healing!” ~Dr. Barbara Lewis King
About Kia Scherr and One Life Alliance:
Kia Scherr is the President and Co-Founder of One Life Alliance. She is the wife and mother of Alan and 13-year old Naomi, who were killed in the Mumbai terrorist attack on November 26, 2008. Kia co-founded One Life Alliance to create a positive outcome to this tragedy by exploring, developing and implementing practical ways to increase peace and decrease violent behavior of all kinds. Kia is working with schools and businesses all over the world and is partnering with many other organizations to strengthen this mission.
OLA’s purpose is to inspire and encourage the conversation about oneness and the dignity of life. They do this by collaborating with businesses, governments, organizations and schools. But it starts with each one. OLA believes that to counter-balance terrorism in all forms requires people of all ages and backgrounds to understand that all life is to be respected. From the poorest and most remote villages of developing countries to the busy highways in our cities, we share a common intention—to honor life in ourselves and in each other regardless of race, religion, gender or age. OLA’s key message is that life is to be honored because it is life itself that we all share. It is the simple truth that far too many people today are influenced by a prevailing negative regard for human life, including their own. When we honor the dignity of life, we are living with peace, compassion and forgiveness.
(photo and report by: Casey Devi Dugan)
